As we step into August, it’s time to embrace the “Sunday of summer” and make the most of the remaining season while it lasts! It all begins this weekend with our Weekend Guide.
This weekend, something out of this world is landing at Maine Studio Works, the coolest feline fiesta in town is taking place at Meowy Jane, a wave of awesome brews hit Thompson’s Point, and the hottest dance party of the summer is cooling off Aura. Check it out!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, August 4th – Sunday, August 6th 2023
Friday the 4th
Encounters – An Interactive Immersive Art Gallery | Maine Studio Works | All Month Long
Mysterious visitors have come to Portland, Maine from another world… or time… or dimension… we’re really not sure. Come encounter this otherworldly collection of interactive art pieces and learn more about these visitors. A cross between a theme park and an art gallery, Encounters will immerse and engage audiences in new ways with unique and interactive otherworldly art. Over 6,000 sq feet of gallery space with interactive experiences, floor to ceiling projection art, tech art, sculptures, paintings and more to explore. Tickets.
Meowie-Bu Beach Party | Meowy Jane | All Weekend
Calling all cat lovers and party enthusiasts! It’s time to paw-ty at the coolest feline fiesta in town! Meowy Jane’s is bringing the purr-fect beach bash. Barbie Trivia: Test your Barbie knowledge and win fabulous prizes. Dress-Up: Unleash your inner fashionista with Barbie-inspired outfits. Photobooth: Capture the meow-mories with your feline friends and striking Barbie backdrops. Games: Get ready for whisker-raising games and challenges that will keep you entertained all day.
Ice Cream Train | Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum | 6:00 PM + 7:00 PM
Summer nights just got sweeter with Maine Narrow Gauge’s Ice Cream Trains every Friday evening. Hop aboard and treat yourself to a scenic train ride along the breathtaking Casco Bay as the sun sets on the horizon. Every passenger gets a delightful FREE ice cream treat! Come on down and savor the views, the company, and the ice-cold delights on the Ice Cream Train. It’s a delectable way to spend your Friday night! Tickets.
Saturday the 5th
Gradients A BIPOC Show | Empire Live | 8:30 PM
Experience the show Portland, Maine has been longing for! Gradients: A BIPOC Show, the first burlesque-drag performance with all BIPOC artists, takes the stage at Empire Live, an AAPI owned venue. 21+ event with food and drinks, including a pop-up kitchen takeover by Yardie Ting. Don’t miss this night of representation and celebration! Doors open at 6pm! Tickets $20, with an option to purchase extra tickets for those in need. Produced By Biagara Falls, Cinnamon Maxxine, and Rosie Havoc! Hosted by Chartreuse.
Wavy Days Beer Fest | Thompson’s Point | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Get ready for a wave of awesome brews at Mast Landing’s Wavy Days Beer Fest! A Grand Celebration of Summer, join for a beer-filled extravaganza featuring 50+ guest breweries from all over the country! From local favorites to exciting newcomers, this even has an incredible lineup ready to quench your thirst and delight your taste buds. To complement your beer-tasting adventure, Wavy Days will have fantastic food vendors from the area to satisfy your cravings. LOW TICKET ALERT. Tickets.
Summer On Ice at Aura | Aura | 8:00 PM
The hottest dance party of the summer! Looking for the ultimate summer dance bash? Look no further! DJ Jay-C from Hot Radio Maine will be spinning a nonstop mix of hits and mashups, keeping the dance floor alive with every genre of dance music. Beat the summer heat with the coolest and most refreshing signature drinks from Ice Pik Vodka! Sip on your favorite libations while grooving to the beats and enjoying the electrifying atmosphere. There will be live go-go dancing and concert lights setting the stage for an epic night. 21 + event! Tickets.
Flower Bx2 | Fire on Fore | 1:00 PM – Sellout
Get your hands on fresh cut flowers from Rambler Flower Truck (a mobile flower bar) while your re-up on your flower stash from Fire on Fore with their special Flower Bx2 event. Don’t miss out – 1pm until sold out! Plus, enjoy a $5 gift card to Fire on Fore when you spend $20 with Rambler Flower Truck, and get 20% off at Rambler with your FOF purchase.
Blue Steel Express | Portland Lobster Company | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Experience three decades of mesmerizing blues with Blue Steel Express at Portland Lobster Co. This versatile band brings electrifying electric and soulful acoustic performances. Enjoy the enchanting melodies, mouthwatering lobster, and scenic waterfront setting. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical treat!
Backyard Concert with the Wortzelini Brothers | Tate House Museum | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A delightful Folk-Pop concert with the talented Wortzelini Brothers! Enjoy classic tunes by CSNY, the Band, Eagles, and Grateful Dead, along with their own original songs. The concert features guitars, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, and percussion, performed by two generations of brothers. Before the show, get a sneak peek inside the historic 1755 Tate House, and all attendees will receive a 50% off coupon for a guided tour during the regular open season. It’s a perfect evening of music and sing-alongs in the beautiful backyard. Tickets.
Plant Walk in Portland | Riverton Trolley Park | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Discover the beauty of Riverton Trolley Park with Maine Audubon Field Naturalist Andy Kapinos and Portland Parks. Join on a captivating journey to explore and survey a unique section of the park that is undergoing restoration. As you stroll through the one-acre meadow, you’ll be surrounded by majestic old growth hardwood trees like Oaks, Maples, and Ash. This pristine area is a haven for summer wildflowers, forest edge/buffers, and a flourishing mature forest canopy. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and witness the wonders of Riverton Trolley Park! Register.
4th Anniversary Party! | Three of Strong Spirits | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Celebrate four incredible years of Three of Strong Spirits! Join for an unforgettable anniversary party filled with fantastic drinks, live music, and exciting activities. Highlights include: Mesmerizing tunes of “The Earthtones” from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM; A thrilling rum punch competition between cocktail virtuosos (taste their creations and vote for the best!); A “Guess the Virtuosos” game for a chance to win awesome 3oSS swag; Friendly games like board games, corn hole, and shuffleboard. Their brand new neighbors, Bite Into Maine, will be open and serving their delicious food all day. Whether you’re a longtime member of ToSS family or joining for the first time, it’ll be a party to remember!
Sunday the 6th
East End Vend Outdoor Market | Oxbow Blending & Bottling | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
East End Vend is your go-to destination for a vibrant outdoor market experience! Join for a community-oriented, festive event where you can directly purchase an incredible array of Maine-made goods. From craft and art to specialty foods and more, the ever-changing vendors offer an exciting mix of treasures. Discover unique jewelry, ceramics, block prints, clothing, and delightful food trucks serving up delicious treats. East End Vend is committed to supporting both emerging and established artists, providing them with a laid-back environment to showcase their talents and connect with customers.
Jamaican Independence Day Festival | Deering Oaks Parks | 12:o0 PM
Join Yardie Ting for a joyous celebration as they honor Jamaica’s independence! Yardie Ting, your go-to for authentic Jamaican cuisine, is back after a brief hiatus to mark this special occasion. This year marks their 7th anniversary of hosting this incredible event, and they can’t wait to share the festivities with all of you! Prepare for a day filled with delicious food, vibrant music, and the warmest of vibes.
Wax Trax Sunday w/ Mike Said & 8BallPosse | The Portland Zoo | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wax Trax Sunday with Mike Said & 8BallPosse at Portland Zoo! Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, they’ll be spinning the finest tunes on vinyl, creating a musical feast for all the animals to enjoy. Grab a cold Coors Banquet and get ready to boogie to the coolest beats in town. Join for a laid-back, fun-filled afternoon with great music and good vibes.
Lobster Demonstration Tours | Rocky Bottom Fisheries | 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Embark on a 1.5-hour water Rocky Bottom Fisheries tour filled with adventure! Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of traps, lobsters, and mesmerizing sea life. The team’s hands-on tour allows you to be part of the action as they haul and set lobster traps in the stunning Casco Bay. You’ll witness beautiful landmarks and encounter fascinating marine creatures along the way. Step into the shoes of a Maine lobsterman and get a firsthand experience of the lobster fishery. It’s an interactive and fun-filled environment that will leave you feeling like a true local. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
